ELO health board backs smaller fee increase

November 17, 2012

EAST LIVERPOOL - Instead of a $10 increase, the board of health Thursday gave initial reading to a resolution raising food service licenses by $5 per year, effective in February 2013.

The resolution received no support at the board's October meeting when proposed by health Commissioner Jelayne Dray, with no motion forthcoming from members.

It was agreed to table the issue for further discussion at this month's meeting after additional information was made available to board members.

Member Carl Covert offered up a motion Thursday to lower the increase, which passed unanimously, with Betsy Wells absent.

First reading was then approved with the lower figure. A special meeting was set for 4 p.m. Dec. 7 to consider a second reading, with the third and final reading expected at the regular meeting on Dec. 20.

With the $5 increase, commercial food service operation or retail food establishments would see rates between $65 and $230 per year for those under 25,000 square feet, depending upon the category in which it is listed.

Non-commercial operations would see rates between $32.50 and $115, again for those under 25,000 square feet, depending upon category.

Dray told the board there are no establishments in the city larger than 25,000 square feet, for which the rates are higher.

Also included in the resolution are some decreases for vending food service operation or vending retail food establishments, to $17 for each; for mobile food service operation or mobile retail food establishment, to $60 each; temporary commercial food service operation or retail food establishment, to $25 per day; and temporary non-commercial food service operation or non-commercial retail food establishment, to $12.50.

A public hearing on the new rates will be held during the special meeting on Dec. 7.

Approved was the annual budget resolution for 2013 that included $112,896 for salaries; $41,840 for operating expenses; $19,842 for food service fund; and $8,000 for nursing fund.